Mathematics Department

Mathematics & Futher Mathematics at Key Stage 5

Exam board: Edexcel

Why study Mathematics?

Mathematics has always been a popular choice for students taking Science subjects. However, skills in numeracy and problem-solving, together with the ability to think clearly and logically, are important attributes for everyone and skills acquired in a mathematics course are transferable to a wide variety of subjects.

As a result, mathematics is now considered equally suitable for you if you are an Arts and/or Humanities student, or taking a mixture of Science and Arts subjects. A typical Mathematics group is likely to contain a wide cross section of young people, ranging from those wishing to study Physics or Engineering at University to students taking Accounting and hoping to follow a career in the world of business or finance.

What will you study?

AS Maths in one year: this is a traditional course comprising of three modules; Core Paper 1, Core Paper 2 and an application module.

A2 Maths: this is the traditional follow on course from AS level. It comprises of three furthermodules, consisting of Core Paper 3, Core Paper 4 and another application module.

AS Maths in two years: this course is designed for students who wish to continue studying Mathematics post-16 often to support other subjects. More time is available to consolidate and develop concepts and skills.

AS Further Maths: this is a course for able mathematicians and provides a challenge to explore new/more sophisticated mathematical concepts. It is designed to be studied alongside AS Maths in year 12. It comprises of three modules: Further Pure Mathematics 1 and two application modules.

A2 Further Maths: students who are especially keen on maths will enjoy this challenging qualification. It extends and deepens students’ knowledge and understanding beyond A level Mathematics. It compromises one Further Pure Mathematics modules and two further application modules.

Future prospects
Mathematics is an essential entry requirement for Higher Education courses inMathematics, Science or Engineering. If you wish to takeHigher Education courses in BusinessManagement, Accounting or Commerce youmay require A2 Mathematics. As an Advanced Level subject, Mathematics has high credibility andwill be accepted as part of a suitable entry requirement for a wide variety ofHigher Education and vocational courses. Further maths is highly regarded and enables you to distinguish yourself as an able mathematician at university and in employment.